S.L. 447.1 Art. 8Producer groups.

(1) New producer groups may request preliminary recognition in accordance with the provisions of Articles 38 to 42

of Regulation (EC) 1580/2007.

(2) During the five years following the date of preliminary recognition, the Director may grant to the producer groups referred to in subregulation (1) aid to encourage their formation and facilitate their administration according to the provisions of Article 45 of Regulation (EC) 1580/2007.

(3) Producer groups shall submit their recognition plans to the Director, who shall approve or reject them or request their modification in line with these regulations: Provided that where a producer group is desirous of applying for EU aid in terms of any of the schemes listed in the Paying Agency Regulations, it shall submit its recognition plan to the Paying Agency, which shall approve or reject it or request modification to such recognition plan in respect of eligibility for funding, prior to the submission to the Director.

(4) Producer groups may submit a request to effect amendments to their recognition plans during their implementation. Notification for change shall be submitted in writing by the producer group to the Director and to the Paying Agency by the 15th September of that particular year and shall be accompanied by supporting documentation justifying the amendments being requested.